Buddy System

admin July 15, 2025 Sailing Previous Lesson Recovery Drills Comments (0)

Learning to Sail: The Buddy System – Why Two Boats Are Better Than One (Especially When One Stops Working)

There are few lonelier sights on the water than a dinghy with its sail flapping, its helm looking confused, and a paddle being deployed with growing desperation.

Which is why sailing with a buddy boat is one of the best habits you can develop.

Sailing, like tea and biscuits, is better shared.

At the club UTSC on a Wednesday mornings, when quite a few people want to come down and sail, we get in the Safety Boat and follow some of the sailors, chatting to them, giving the occasional bit of advice. Generally we are there to give reassurance, it case something might go wrong and they are stranded or a problem when they capsize.

Two Boats, Double the Wisdom (and Laughs)

When you sail with a partner boat:

You can share tips, shout friendly advice, and occasionally just shout.
You can try manoeuvres side by side and learn by comparison.
You have someone to race, pace, and occasionally rescue.

When Things Go Wrong (And They Will)

One boat stuck in irons? The buddy can offer a tow or tactical pep talk.
Capsize? They’re your audience, photographer, and backup rescue all in one.
Something falls off? They might have a spare, or at least the tools to bodge something believable.

For us a rope snapped and another member came around and showed me how to replace and mend the rope - A skill I can pass on to others.

The Psychological Boost

There’s comfort in knowing you’re not the only one out there trying to remember which side the wind is coming from.

Less stress. More support.
Confidence grows faster.
You’ll dare to try more when someone else is nearby to laugh with you (or tow you home).

Final Thought

The buddy system isn’t just for beginners. It’s a fundamental part of safe, sociable sailing.

Whether you're learning the ropes or practising for a race, having another boat nearby makes every trip better.